If you think you can opt for a heater/cooler right away without considering insulation first, think again. It’s a known fact that a house must be built of quality materials, and this includes a well-insulated envelope. There are many types of building insulation, like acoustic, fire and thermal, to name a few.

Winter is that time of the year when homeowners start cranking up their heaters' thermostats to warmer levels. It goes without saying then that heating systems, whether via furnaces or through HVACs, are indispensable during this cold season. However, over-dependence on heating can lead to higher energy costs, especially when you consider the voracious power consumption of such large appliances.

Heaters expend more energy if the warmth they produce quickly dissipates, since the machines have to work harder to maintain their thermostats’ settings. In layman’s terms, heat loss adds even more load to heaters. This heat loss is usually attributed to air leaks, but warm air doesn’t always need cracks to seep out from. Heat can also permeate and diffuse out through walls – unless they’re properly fitted with insulation.

Insulation can reduce the amount of heat escaping your home by serving as a physical barrier. Aside from the walls, even a home’s attic can be installed with insulation. There are numerous insulation materials available, and they all differ in their ability to resist heat flow. Padding a home with superior insulation can maximize the heating capacity of the structure by easing the load forced upon heaters; this should also lead to reduced energy costs.

Insulating your home is a very important step in making sure that everything is energy-efficient; in other words, it does not force your heating or cooling system beyond its limits. Air sealing is one aspect of this need; basically it is the process of reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home, thus allowing the temperature to stabilize more readily.

Air leakage happens when outside air comes in and conditioned air leaves via your windows and other similar channels in your home. The goal of insulation is to minimize massive air leakages, which of course excuses your vents whose job is to control and mediate this airflow.

When you seal these other air pathways, any insulation that you set up will work more efficiently. In fact, most contractors will seal the air first before applying any insulation; this way, your home will not only be more energy-efficient, but will also provide an excellent barrier for moisture penetration which can severely damage your home interior.

If you're having your home insulated just in time for the cold season, be sure to ask your contractor to have it air sealed first. This way, you and your family will be able to enjoy the holidays with comfortable heating and a stable energy bill.